Supporters of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants to gather at Capitol today

They call it ASSET, or “Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow,” and supporters of the idea will gather at the Capitol this morning at a press conference promoting Senate Bill 126.

The bill, sponsored by Sens. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, and Michael Johnston, D-Denver, would allow high school students who are illegal immigrants who have graduated from Colorado high schools to attend a state college or university at the in-state tuition rate.

The bill is similar to one that died in 2009 in the state Senate after a handful of Democrats joined Republicans in voting no. Supporters are hoping their luck changes this year with a retooled bill that would prevent illegal immigrants from being granted College Opportunity Fund scholarships, which are basically disbursements of state higher education funding that follow the individual student.

By not giving these students COF funding, proponents of the bill argue, there won’t be any direct impact on the state budget. Opponents counter that colleges and universities still get lump-sum appropriations from the state, so there would still be an impact.

And why should they have in-state tuition? Costs are already astronomical for domestic students!! Doing this will only put a further financial burden on the schools, which they will pass on to us, making it harder for us to get our degrees that are needed to gain even entry level positions in our chosen fields!

Dscheinfp1

I agree. Our own children who legally live here pay astonomical in state tuition (compared to other states) as it is. If illegal immigrants are allowed to pay the discounted in-state tuition rate, then the additional cost will be shared by the students that live here legally. And why should we provide a benefit reserved for citizens to people that are here illegally? We already paid for them to have a public education in our schools….now what…college too?

Ridge_Runner_5

And why should they have in-state tuition? Costs are already astronomical for domestic students!! Doing this will only put a further financial burden on the schools, which they will pass on to us, making it harder for us to get our degrees that are needed to gain even entry level positions in our chosen fields!

Dscheinfp1

I agree. Our own children who legally live here pay astonomical in state tuition (compared to other states) as it is. If illegal immigrants are allowed to pay the discounted in-state tuition rate, then the additional cost will be shared by the students that live here legally. And why should we provide a benefit reserved for citizens to people that are here illegally? We already paid for them to have a public education in our schools….now what…college too?

Quickbookspro

Of course they certainly should be able to go to school here with in state tuition. Most have been here since they were children. Period!

Royedw

…Most have been here since they were children. Period!

Then they have lived here long enough to do the things necessary to become part of their “new country”,.. become a citizen of The United States! Why do you or any other supporters of this proposal want to continue to encourage illegal aliens to come to the US because we do nothing to stop them. Have you ever read what Mexico’s laws are regarding “illegal aliens”? Perhaps you should take a look…

Quickbookspro

Not true, avenues are not open for them to become citizens. Perhaps you should meet a few familys in our communities to know the truth, not just the canned answer Roy.
There are over 3 Million citizens of the US living in Mexico sans documents, … they are thriving and I know, because lived down there and it is not as all as you are insinuating for people from the US. On top of that, most of the undocumented Americans in Mexico, are retirees who can’t live as well here on our own soil as they can down there withg their Social Security checks.

Quickbookspro

Not true, avenues are not open for them to become citizens. Perhaps you should meet a few familys in our communities to know the truth, not just the canned answer Roy.
There are over 3 Million citizens of the US living in Mexico sans documents, … they are thriving and I know, because lived down there and it is not as all as you are insinuating for people from the US. On top of that, most of the undocumented Americans in Mexico, are retirees who can’t live as well here on our own soil as they can down there withg their Social Security checks.

Mdflem51

You pay for it!

William

The parents should be arrested for child trafficking. The whole family should be deported. Why should we reward illegal behavior? If we grant in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, we should grant in-state tuition for all American citizens!

Myersboy

I agree with you…. Every one deserves an education. An apportunity to suceed! These are children who dont have no other home other than the United States.They dont know anything else. It sounds easy to say send them all to Mexico, but most of these students trying to go to college, were brought here as children. I have met many people who are helping undocumented students go to college and that is great. God bless these people who have compassion and believe that all students deserve an education.

Tiredofstupidity

Your out of your mind. It’s time to stop giving insentives to people who do not bother to get legal documentation, pay taxes, and contribute to our society. Not a legal citizen, no benifits for breaking the law.

Keikoasmom

ILLEGALLY. On our dime. I am insulted to think that I have been paying for schooling for people here illegally. Our NIS needs to be strengthened, the borders need to close, and the people here illegally need to go back to Mexico and fiX THEIR country, The count is at 20 MILLION.
It is depleting our economy.

Quickbookspro

Of course they certainly should be able to go to school here with in state tuition. Most have been here since they were children. Period!

Davek80501

So you want to reward the criminal behavior of the parents and give rewards to people who are 18 year old adults (not children anymore) who are now responsible to follow federal law but continue to break federal law by staying in this country “illegally”. Do you really think doing that makes sense?

Royedw

…Most have been here since they were children. Period!

Then they have lived here long enough to do the things necessary to become part of their “new country”,.. become a citizen of The United States! Why do you or any other supporters of this proposal want to continue to encourage illegal aliens to come to the US because we do nothing to stop them. Have you ever read what Mexico’s laws are regarding “illegal aliens”? Perhaps you should take a look…

Quickbookspro

Not true, avenues are not open for them to become citizens. Perhaps you should meet a few familys in our communities to know the truth, not just the canned answer Roy.
There are over 3 Million citizens of the US living in Mexico sans documents, … they are thriving and I know, because lived down there and it is not as all as you are insinuating for people from the US. On top of that, most of the undocumented Americans in Mexico, are retirees who can’t live as well here on our own soil as they can down there withg their Social Security checks.

Mdflem51

You pay for it!

William

The parents should be arrested for child trafficking. The whole family should be deported. Why should we reward illegal behavior? If we grant in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, we should grant in-state tuition for all American citizens!

Myersboy

I agree with you…. Every one deserves an education. An apportunity to suceed! These are children who dont have no other home other than the United States.They dont know anything else. It sounds easy to say send them all to Mexico, but most of these students trying to go to college, were brought here as children. I have met many people who are helping undocumented students go to college and that is great. God bless these people who have compassion and believe that all students deserve an education.

Tiredofstupidity

Your out of your mind. It’s time to stop giving insentives to people who do not bother to get legal documentation, pay taxes, and contribute to our society. Not a legal citizen, no benifits for breaking the law.

Keikoasmom

ILLEGALLY. On our dime. I am insulted to think that I have been paying for schooling for people here illegally. Our NIS needs to be strengthened, the borders need to close, and the people here illegally need to go back to Mexico and fiX THEIR country, The count is at 20 MILLION.
It is depleting our economy.

Royedw

NO!! Absolutely not! If these young people are “students” why then can they not take the steps to become CITIZENS of The United States?? What’s the problem here and why is that such a problem for these bleeding heart liberals?

They and their parents should do what it takes to become “legal”, then pay taxes and all that the rest of us have to do and stop living off the government. If you, as a high school student, have lived in Colorado long enough to have gone through the school system then you have lived in Colorado, or anywhere else in the US, to have done what it takes to become a citizen.

I have a novel idea, rather than make it mandatory for students to take Spanish, why doesn’t the school system make it mandatory for “illegal aliens” to take citizenship courses in order for them to pass that test?? You would be honored to become a US citizen and of course gain all the benefits thereof. And if that’s NOT an honor for you, then perhaps you don’t need to be here…

Myersboy

if it were that easy to become a citizen of the United States we would not have so many illegal aliens in this country. The criteria to become a resident is not that easy. if a person has been here 15 years or even 20 years, that person needs a sibling or parent who is a citizen to sponsor them. If they do not have this, then thats too bad. They cant apply for a green card. Look up what is required to become a citizen. you will see that it is not as easy as Americans think.

illegals are not offered citizenship. That is why they stole into here.

Sonik

Why don’t you think of it in this perspective? Pretend(or not) that you have children. Back in the day, when you were a little kid, you stole some money. You didn’t know any better but grew up later realizing that it was wrong. Then you grow up and you have kids. The government then says, you stole from us and punishes your children and makes them suffer for something that you have done.
Or even better, because I don’t know you I’ll put this in hypothetical terms. Let’s say that you are of European descent. You were part of a gang, but it was too much for you and your family, but the gang wouldn’t let you leave or else you would be killed. So you ran away and took your family with you hoping to escape the past. But you ran away illegally and took your baby who was born in your home country. Your kid grows up, and wants to be an adult, but to receive a green card, or apply for residency, your kid has to go back to a place he/she never grew up in, never had a family, or even knows the language, for some period of time.See the issue here?

This is not some gateway, nor does it has any costs to allow. In fact, it will reap in the benefits of over $1 million dollars. Do you really want to see the country advance with the majority of the population being unsuccessful and uneducated? Every single child whether he/she be illegal or not is the future of this world. Why are you punishing them because the American system is flawed and follows the OLD Christian ways?

Everyone says to go legalize the immigrants, but does anyone know the process? Has anyone actually met an illegal? I have plenty of illegal friends, but they are probably more patriotic than any “Average American” The love of my life is illegal, but she is legal in my heart, body, mind and soul.

Royedw

NO!! Absolutely not! If these young people are “students” why then can they not take the steps to become CITIZENS of The United States?? What’s the problem here and why is that such a problem for these bleeding heart liberals?

They and their parents should do what it takes to become “legal”, then pay taxes and all that the rest of us have to do and stop living off the government. If you, as a high school student, have lived in Colorado long enough to have gone through the school system then you have lived in Colorado, or anywhere else in the US, to have done what it takes to become a citizen.

I have a novel idea, rather than make it mandatory for students to take Spanish, why doesn’t the school system make it mandatory for “illegal aliens” to take citizenship courses in order for them to pass that test?? You would be honored to become a US citizen and of course gain all the benefits thereof. And if that’s NOT an honor for you, then perhaps you don’t need to be here…

Myersboy

if it were that easy to become a citizen of the United States we would not have so many illegal aliens in this country. The criteria to become a resident is not that easy. if a person has been here 15 years or even 20 years, that person needs a sibling or parent who is a citizen to sponsor them. If they do not have this, then thats too bad. They cant apply for a green card. Look up what is required to become a citizen. you will see that it is not as easy as Americans think.

illegals are not offered citizenship. That is why they stole into here.

Sonik

Why don’t you think of it in this perspective? Pretend(or not) that you have children. Back in the day, when you were a little kid, you stole some money. You didn’t know any better but grew up later realizing that it was wrong. Then you grow up and you have kids. The government then says, you stole from us and punishes your children and makes them suffer for something that you have done.
Or even better, because I don’t know you I’ll put this in hypothetical terms. Let’s say that you are of European descent. You were part of a gang, but it was too much for you and your family, but the gang wouldn’t let you leave or else you would be killed. So you ran away and took your family with you hoping to escape the past. But you ran away illegally and took your baby who was born in your home country. Your kid grows up, and wants to be an adult, but to receive a green card, or apply for residency, your kid has to go back to a place he/she never grew up in, never had a family, or even knows the language, for some period of time.See the issue here?

This is not some gateway, nor does it has any costs to allow. In fact, it will reap in the benefits of over $1 million dollars. Do you really want to see the country advance with the majority of the population being unsuccessful and uneducated? Every single child whether he/she be illegal or not is the future of this world. Why are you punishing them because the American system is flawed and follows the OLD Christian ways?

Everyone says to go legalize the immigrants, but does anyone know the process? Has anyone actually met an illegal? I have plenty of illegal friends, but they are probably more patriotic than any “Average American” The love of my life is illegal, but she is legal in my heart, body, mind and soul.

ThisIsMe

Let me be the first one to say it for about the one millionth time. What will they do with this education once they graduate? They are illegal. They cannot legally work in this country. No matter what level of education they obtain they cannot get a job in this country.

Is this just a stepping-stone to amnesty? If that is the goal, be honest enough to state it up front. Before you reply with something about the Dream Act, be willing to admit that it just just amnesty with a different name.

Anonymous

Already, many students are working their way through the immigration system, and the remaining students would be required to seek legal status. For the thousands of students currently in line to become citizens, making them pay in-state tuition helps guarantee an educated workforce once they gain citizenship.

no asset for criminals

They can’t legally hold a job here once they graduate from college since they are illegal. What is the point on further educating people that shouldn’t be here in the first place when we have already paid for them in so very many ways.

ThisIsMe

Let me be the first one to say it for about the one millionth time. What will they do with this education once they graduate? They are illegal. They cannot legally work in this country. No matter what level of education they obtain they cannot get a job in this country.

Is this just a stepping-stone to amnesty? If that is the goal, be honest enough to state it up front. Before you reply with something about the Dream Act, be willing to admit that it just just amnesty with a different name.

Sinfronteras

They should have amnesty. My God get off of your high horse!

ThisIsMe

Why should they have amnesty? Because the were able to attend 12 years of school paid for by the very generous tax payers at no cost to them? Since we paid for so long, we need to keep subsidizing them?

How do you interpret a factual statement of the law being on a high horse?

Eduardo

Why should my taxes continue to pay for them? Why should we reward them for breaking the law? Why should we support their kids? If they can’t support their own kids, why do they keep having so many of them? If Mexico sucks so bad, why don’t they take action in their own country to make it a better place, instead of bringing the problem over here, and dragging our country down with them? What will happen when the U.S. economy has completely crashed? Will we all sneak under the fence into Canada, and ruin their country?

Anonymous

Already, many students are working their way through the immigration system, and the remaining students would be required to seek legal status. For the thousands of students currently in line to become citizens, making them pay in-state tuition helps guarantee an educated workforce once they gain citizenship.

no asset for criminals

They can’t legally hold a job here once they graduate from college since they are illegal. What is the point on further educating people that shouldn’t be here in the first place when we have already paid for them in so very many ways.

Davek80801

Why should we reward the criminal behavior of the parents by giving people who are here “Illegally” in-state tuition when they cannot “legally” work in Colorado because they are here “Illegally”? Everyone who backs this kind of law is only rewarding the criminal behavior of the parents. If these are old enough to go to collage they are over 18 and are now responsible for there own criminal act of staying in this country “Illegally”.

Davek80801

Why should we reward the criminal behavior of the parents by giving people who are here “Illegally” in-state tuition when they cannot “legally” work in Colorado because they are here “Illegally”? Everyone who backs this kind of law is only rewarding the criminal behavior of the parents. If these are old enough to go to collage they are over 18 and are now responsible for there own criminal act of staying in this country “Illegally”.

Pirategunslinger

First of all, if they are Illegal immigrants they shouldn’t be in school anyway, let alone in state tuition, I guess maybe when the blow up a couple of malls and a few markets then oue Illegal loving President might actually do something.

Mary

You CHOOSE not to understand that BOTH parties have done this – that under Obama there have already been more deportations than under TWO terms of George W Bush (who, for his first SIX years had complete control of Congress if he really wanted to do anything about illegal immigration – by the way, W had bi-partisan support, including Kennedy and McCain, for another AMNESTY, but withdrew it when the country had a fit) – and the last president to have an AMNESTY was your hero, Reagan! So – get off your partisan horse and realize that as long as illegal immigration benefits business, neither party will do diddly to resolve it!

William

Reagan admitted that amnesty for illegal immigrants was the worst possible thing he ever did to this country!!

Actually, reagan did many worst things. October Surprise, turning yellow in lebanon, Iran-Contra, running up peace time debts, and one of the top 4 presidents for growing gov. come to mind. Yet, amnesty without a real solution to stop future illegals was just another one of his many disaster.

Lucy

Illegal aliens have already driven down wages in blue collar jobs and made them virtually unavailable to anyone that can’t live on a third world wage, now businesses can’t wait to get a pool of college educated illegal aliens to do the same to white collar jobs. In state tuition takes spaces away from American students, and we taxpayers will be, as always, left holding the bill. Illegal aliens can go to college just like anyone else–they just have to pay out of state tuition–and if their parents want a college education for their kids badly enough, they’ll find a way to pay for it just like Americans do or their kids just won’t go. Simple as that. These bills are never just about tuition for a few extra deserving students, they’re always filled with all sorts of other “give me’s”, like eligibility for “students” up to some advanced age like 35 or so, immediate legal residency with some vague promise to do something in return sometime in the future that will never happen, and citizenship for all their family members, ad infinitum. I, for one, am sick to death of the constant demand for more, more more when illegal aliens should have the right to nothing but a ticket home. They’re like vampires–they won’t be happy til they’ve bled us all dry.

Conspiracy

your ridiculous you act like they’re some kind of unknown creature but yet they are like you…they have eyes arms legs everything you have except maybe your color, and language..you need to grow up..”They’re like vampires–they won’t be happy til they’ve bled us all dry.” you only say that because you proudly were born here like nay other. But if you take a look at their side of their story and if you put your self in their shoes you would shut up and realize how much hatred and more problems they have to go through than you.. you nothing but a joke..

Lucy

Illegal aliens have already driven down wages in blue collar jobs and made them virtually unavailable to anyone that can’t live on a third world wage, now businesses can’t wait to get a pool of college educated illegal aliens to do the same to white collar jobs. In state tuition takes spaces away from American students, and we taxpayers will be, as always, left holding the bill. Illegal aliens can go to college just like anyone else–they just have to pay out of state tuition–and if their parents want a college education for their kids badly enough, they’ll find a way to pay for it just like Americans do or their kids just won’t go. Simple as that. These bills are never just about tuition for a few extra deserving students, they’re always filled with all sorts of other “give me’s”, like eligibility for “students” up to some advanced age like 35 or so, immediate legal residency with some vague promise to do something in return sometime in the future that will never happen, and citizenship for all their family members, ad infinitum. I, for one, am sick to death of the constant demand for more, more more when illegal aliens should have the right to nothing but a ticket home. They’re like vampires–they won’t be happy til they’ve bled us all dry.

Conspiracy

your ridiculous you act like they’re some kind of unknown creature but yet they are like you…they have eyes arms legs everything you have except maybe your color, and language..you need to grow up..”They’re like vampires–they won’t be happy til they’ve bled us all dry.” you only say that because you proudly were born here like nay other. But if you take a look at their side of their story and if you put your self in their shoes you would shut up and realize how much hatred and more problems they have to go through than you.. you nothing but a joke..

Jbrown228

Sinfronteras – I think in state tuition rates for Illegal immigrants is great….. So you’re going to personally pick up the tab for this one right? – You along with everyone else who is in agreeance?……. Didn’t think so! Sinfronteras, do you even pay taxes? Do you volunteer to help support third-world countries education systems and well – being? Didn’t think so….. I think you should take some personal responsability if you feel so strongly about this and put “your” money where your mouth is!

Sinfronteras

I’m an Accountant, I not only pay taxes, but I file them for the immigrants that you seem to distain so much. I do donate money to send undocumented students to school…what on earth do you do?

Furious George

Do you provide them with a social security number too, or do they just make one up?

Clist

The big chill. Have a nice day.

Clist

The big chill. Have a nice day.

J_y80439

Not only no but Hell NO!!! With record budget problems and high unemployment of legal workers this type of left wing nonsense is typical of what the Demos put up!

J_y80439

Not only no but Hell NO!!! With record budget problems and high unemployment of legal workers this type of left wing nonsense is typical of what the Demos put up!

Mary

You CHOOSE not to understand that BOTH parties have done this – that under Obama there have already been more deportations than under TWO terms of George W Bush (who, for his first SIX years had complete control of Congress if he really wanted to do anything about illegal immigration – by the way, W had bi-partisan support, including Kennedy and McCain, for another AMNESTY, but withdrew it when the country had a fit) – and the last president to have an AMNESTY was your hero, Reagan! So – get off your partisan horse and realize that as long as illegal immigration benefits business, neither party will do diddly to resolve it!

William

Reagan admitted that amnesty for illegal immigrants was the worst possible thing he ever did to this country!!

Actually, reagan did many worst things. October Surprise, turning yellow in lebanon, Iran-Contra, running up peace time debts, and one of the top 4 presidents for growing gov. come to mind. Yet, amnesty without a real solution to stop future illegals was just another one of his many disaster.

Jteldb

They are not residents of Colorado that is who gets the in state tuition they are from other countries if we pass this then people from all over the world and other states will want the same thing! dont you understand this you will need to offer this everyone.

Jteldb

They are not residents of Colorado that is who gets the in state tuition they are from other countries if we pass this then people from all over the world and other states will want the same thing! dont you understand this you will need to offer this everyone.

Jteldb

They are not residents of Colorado that is who gets the in state tuition they are from other countries if we pass this then people from all over the world and other states will want the same thing! dont you understand this you will need to offer this everyone.

perplexed

So why would we reward a group who has broken the law and most likely not paid into the system as they should to receive the benefit?

The children of illegals have probably not paid state income tax, because they are illegal. They are receiving a benefit which they have not paid for.

While on the other hand a child of a legal US citizen will forego their benefit in their home state and pay a premium to go to a Colorado school. In essence they are being penalized for making a choice to go to an out of state school. The illegal is not being penalized for make a choice to be here illegally.

Why do we treat the illegals better than the legal US citizens?

The other problem I have with this is that once they graduate, they cannot take a job anyway as they are illegal. Why are we wasting the space and the money for a college education which cannot be used in the US?

perplexed

So why would we reward a group who has broken the law and most likely not paid into the system as they should to receive the benefit?

The children of illegals have probably not paid state income tax, because they are illegal. They are receiving a benefit which they have not paid for.

While on the other hand a child of a legal US citizen will forego their benefit in their home state and pay a premium to go to a Colorado school. In essence they are being penalized for making a choice to go to an out of state school. The illegal is not being penalized for make a choice to be here illegally.

Why do we treat the illegals better than the legal US citizens?

The other problem I have with this is that once they graduate, they cannot take a job anyway as they are illegal. Why are we wasting the space and the money for a college education which cannot be used in the US?

COnspiracy

money is a powerful drug huh?… Every one who cries about it is ridiculous..”making it harder for us to get our degrees that are needed to gain even entry level positions in our chosen fields!” try harder it’s unfair how people that weren’t born in a certain place can’t do nothing even if we try harder than most of the people who where born here! when where they ever thinking of moving to the U.S. when they were like 1?? Yea they can do anything to become citizens options are getting married or depend on the dream acts it isn’t as easy as you people think! Grow up and quit your hatred…one day its not going to matter where your from but if you deserve to live or die…

I am absolutely FINE with doing this IFF we also address the rest of the illegals. Those that were born elsehwere, but brought here as children and raised as Americans SHOULD get this help. However, at the same time, we need to address all those that came here as adults. Basically, those need to be denied gov. help and jobs. If we are willing to do the right thing with those of you that grew up here and are victims as much as USA citizens are, then we should do the right thing with the other side.
But, I do not see you pushing that issue. Any reason?

COnspiracy

money is a powerful drug huh?… Every one who cries about it is ridiculous..”making it harder for us to get our degrees that are needed to gain even entry level positions in our chosen fields!” try harder it’s unfair how people that weren’t born in a certain place can’t do nothing even if we try harder than most of the people who where born here! when where they ever thinking of moving to the U.S. when they were like 1?? Yea they can do anything to become citizens options are getting married or depend on the dream acts it isn’t as easy as you people think! Grow up and quit your hatred…one day its not going to matter where your from but if you deserve to live or die…

I am absolutely FINE with doing this IFF we also address the rest of the illegals. Those that were born elsehwere, but brought here as children and raised as Americans SHOULD get this help. However, at the same time, we need to address all those that came here as adults. Basically, those need to be denied gov. help and jobs. If we are willing to do the right thing with those of you that grew up here and are victims as much as USA citizens are, then we should do the right thing with the other side.
But, I do not see you pushing that issue. Any reason?

Dave

….so…I guess my nephew from Ohio is not qualified for In State Tuition…but they’ll give it to an illegal?? Who thought up this bullcrap?!?!?

Dave

….so…I guess my nephew from Ohio is not qualified for In State Tuition…but they’ll give it to an illegal?? Who thought up this bullcrap?!?!?

Get A Clue

Let me make this real simple. THEY ARE ILLEGAL THEY ARE ILLEGAL THEY ARE ILLEGAL.

Get A Clue

Let me make this real simple. THEY ARE ILLEGAL THEY ARE ILLEGAL THEY ARE ILLEGAL.

Betty Mahaffey

By paying out-of-state tuition, illegal immigrant students would finally be paying the true cost of their education and this is only fair. They have received free education on the backs of taxpayers and the detriment of American students. Paying out-of-state tuition is only fair and they should not be subsidized by American taxpayers for a college education.

Betty Mahaffey

By paying out-of-state tuition, illegal immigrant students would finally be paying the true cost of their education and this is only fair. They have received free education on the backs of taxpayers and the detriment of American students. Paying out-of-state tuition is only fair and they should not be subsidized by American taxpayers for a college education.

Earl

I don’t like the idea because it gives more rights to someone who’s here illegally over someone who’s an actual citizen but just move here from out of state.

Earl

I don’t like the idea because it gives more rights to someone who’s here illegally over someone who’s an actual citizen but just move here from out of state.

Earl

I don’t like the idea because it gives more rights to someone who’s here illegally over someone who’s an actual citizen but just move here from out of state.

Barry Soetoro

If the ICE buses would start, I wish they had a few there.

Barry Soetoro

If the ICE buses would start, I wish they had a few there.

Barry Soetoro

If the ICE buses would start, I wish they had a few there.

Ddsabin

Simply put, there is no objective logic being applied here. How can you be a resident of Colorado if you’re not a resident of the United States. Ergo, why should you be eligible for “in-state” tuition rates?

Ddsabin

Simply put, there is no objective logic being applied here. How can you be a resident of Colorado if you’re not a resident of the United States. Ergo, why should you be eligible for “in-state” tuition rates?

Ddsabin

Simply put, there is no objective logic being applied here. How can you be a resident of Colorado if you’re not a resident of the United States. Ergo, why should you be eligible for “in-state” tuition rates?

Lobos1753

I think all of us have forgot that we all play a part in this state. As for the ones that think that these illegals shouldnt have a chance you need to look at our histor and see how many of these illegas made this wonderful country of ours.

Lobos1753

I think all of us have forgot that we all play a part in this state. As for the ones that think that these illegals shouldnt have a chance you need to look at our histor and see how many of these illegas made this wonderful country of ours.

I’m an Accountant, I not only pay taxes, but I file them for the immigrants that you seem to distain so much. I do donate money to send undocumented students to school…what on earth do you do?

ThisIsMe

Why should they have amnesty? Because the were able to attend 12 years of school paid for by the very generous tax payers at no cost to them? Since we paid for so long, we need to keep subsidizing them?

How do you interpret a factual statement of the law being on a high horse?

Anonymous

Just to clear up any confusion, this bill does NOT use any state funds or taxpayers money, it simply provides an opportunity for Colorado students to gain access to higher education at an in-state tuition rate.

Not only would these students not be given any COF dollars to help pay for their educations, but this bill will create revenue for Colorado’s colleges and universities.

Already, many students are working their way through the immigration system, and the remaining students would be required to seek legal status. For the thousands of students currently in line to become citizens, making them pay in-state tuition helps guarantee an educated workforce once they gain citizenship.

Even this bill itself is not enough to fully address the needs of our community, but it is a first step, and it is not a Republican v. Democrat issue, as the bill has bipartisan support.

Anonymous

Just to clear up any confusion, this bill does NOT use any state funds or taxpayers money, it simply provides an opportunity for Colorado students to gain access to higher education at an in-state tuition rate.

Not only would these students not be given any COF dollars to help pay for their educations, but this bill will create revenue for Colorado’s colleges and universities.

Already, many students are working their way through the immigration system, and the remaining students would be required to seek legal status. For the thousands of students currently in line to become citizens, making them pay in-state tuition helps guarantee an educated workforce once they gain citizenship.

Even this bill itself is not enough to fully address the needs of our community, but it is a first step, and it is not a Republican v. Democrat issue, as the bill has bipartisan support.

Scottyp5

About Giron:
If you stop support for the Unions and our worthless public school system, you will get rid of the illigal alien pimping politicians.
This is Giron’s first campaign for office, but she has inherited the support of traditional Democratic interest groups. Her campaign reports show major contributions from labor organizations such as Colorado Conference of Electrical Workers ($4,250); Pueblo Education Association ($4,250); Colorado Education Association ($2,125); Pueblo County Teachers Association ($1,000); and the United Transportation Workers ($800).
She only won by about 5% of the vote in a district that is almost 50% Dems.
The Girons do not represent, they pay back!

Scottyp5

About Giron:
If you stop support for the Unions and our worthless public school system, you will get rid of the illigal alien pimping politicians.
This is Giron’s first campaign for office, but she has inherited the support of traditional Democratic interest groups. Her campaign reports show major contributions from labor organizations such as Colorado Conference of Electrical Workers ($4,250); Pueblo Education Association ($4,250); Colorado Education Association ($2,125); Pueblo County Teachers Association ($1,000); and the United Transportation Workers ($800).
She only won by about 5% of the vote in a district that is almost 50% Dems.
The Girons do not represent, they pay back!

Sammiejo

I already pay a ridiculous amount for tuition, and I have lived LEGALLY in Colorado for my entire life. The reason behind in-state tuition rates is that residents of Colorado pay Colorado taxes which theoretically help to fund CO higher education. Illegal immigrants do not pay taxes and therefore DO NOT qualify for the in-state resident discount. Colorado is one the WORST states regarding higher education funding, and hardly any funds are coming from the government anymore. This is why there are tuition hikes for both in-state, and out-of-state students. Public universities do not gain revenue from in-state students, they gain revenue from non-resident tuition. And illegal aliens are non-residents.

Yes should citizens not get this? Why can’t legal citizens get the discounts and etc. Both my husband and I worked to pay for our educations we got no help none and yet we have bleeding hearts that want to give to illegals all these breaks and why. Let them go home and go to school. I would like to see how it is going to get paid for if not from the tax payer? Doesn’t all the income for the state and federal government come from the tax payer? This has failed before and it needs to fail again. As always just my opinion.

Paola_irad

nope, i dont think so. i think that if illigal immigrabts are to these colleges then they should get the same opportunity as ant american citizen will have. now offcourse with more expectations on them, but i think that these people can reallyshows us what they have. we never know what kind talents se can get from theses people, so whay judge already if we dont even know what the outcome will be.

Paola_irad

nope, i dont think so. i think that if illigal immigrabts are to these colleges then they should get the same opportunity as ant american citizen will have. now offcourse with more expectations on them, but i think that these people can reallyshows us what they have. we never know what kind talents se can get from theses people, so whay judge already if we dont even know what the outcome will be.

Pete

I’m surprised that you spelled “expectations” correctly, you must have looked it up. Something tells me that you are a more than a little biased here.

Big Bill

Are citizens of Colorado that ignorant and stupid that while citizens of the UNITED STATES are doing all things possible to STOP ALL aid to illegal immigrants you are giving aid and comfort to the illegal enemies of the UNITED STATES. ARE THE TERRORIST ALSO TO RECEIVE AID FROM YOU COLORADO MORONS.

Big Bill

Are citizens of Colorado that ignorant and stupid that while citizens of the UNITED STATES are doing all things possible to STOP ALL aid to illegal immigrants you are giving aid and comfort to the illegal enemies of the UNITED STATES. ARE THE TERRORIST ALSO TO RECEIVE AID FROM YOU COLORADO MORONS.

Keikoasmom

If my children went ILLEGALLY to another country, they would be prosecuted, jailed, and fined or imprisoned. Give me a break.
ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL. They need to go back to Mexico. The BAD guy here is their parents, and if the kids have to pay, then they need to blame the ones who broke the law. Not the taxpayers of the US.

Keikoasmom

If my children went ILLEGALLY to another country, they would be prosecuted, jailed, and fined or imprisoned. Give me a break.
ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL. They need to go back to Mexico. The BAD guy here is their parents, and if the kids have to pay, then they need to blame the ones who broke the law. Not the taxpayers of the US.

Keikoaasmom

My son, who was born in CO, of Colorado NATIVES (interpret that as LEGAL) should have his tuition dropped to FREE, right? We pay taxes, have paid taxes and owned homes in Colorado since 1974. My parents moved here in 1948, paid taxes and were AMERICAN citizens (also LEGAL) for 55 years, so what special consideration do we receive for being here legally, following the laws and paying for everything we have?
This bill is an insult to the people of Colorado, the students who are here legally and working hard and paying a lot to be here.
I will never vote for the people who are sponsoring this bill, and would like to sponsor a rally to stop it. Where do I sign up? By the way, our state budget is already floundering, what is really going on here?

Keikoaasmom

My son, who was born in CO, of Colorado NATIVES (interpret that as LEGAL) should have his tuition dropped to FREE, right? We pay taxes, have paid taxes and owned homes in Colorado since 1974. My parents moved here in 1948, paid taxes and were AMERICAN citizens (also LEGAL) for 55 years, so what special consideration do we receive for being here legally, following the laws and paying for everything we have?
This bill is an insult to the people of Colorado, the students who are here legally and working hard and paying a lot to be here.
I will never vote for the people who are sponsoring this bill, and would like to sponsor a rally to stop it. Where do I sign up? By the way, our state budget is already floundering, what is really going on here?

Outraged

If there is a rally, let me know! I will be there! This is just another way for wealthy business owners to create a huge labor pool for the future that are educated and cheap. Corporate interests have benefited for many decades from illegal workers in farming and construction that have driven wages down for tax paying workers in these fields, and now they want to expand it to educated professionals as well. These so called “bleeding hearts” are not doing this for the sake of these poor pathetic immigrants, they are trying to create more cheap labor, and eliminate the middle class in the U.S., so there will only be the servants, and the masters.

P. Martinez

My small construction company was forced out of business by other companies who hire ILLEGAL immigrants that DON’T PAY TAXES, which enables them to under bid companies like mine who pay taxes, and do things by the book. This forced me to apply for unemployment for the first time ever in my life. I have picked up temp work here and there since then, but now I make 2/3 the hourly wage that I was making 15 years ago (and my rent has doubled in that time). In 2007 it was obvious that this was a trend that would continue, so I decided to spend my savings to go to college, to try to get a career, and rise above the illegal immigrants that are benefiting from my tax dollars, driving down wages, stealing identities (and jobs), not paying taxes, driving up health care costs, and dragging down our economy. Now some morons are supporting a bill to give illegal immigrants cheaper college tuition than taxpaying legal Americans! This is an outrage, and if it passes, I vow to never pay taxes again, or repay my student loans! No taxpaying American should be obligated to support illegal immigrants! Mexico needs to address their own problems instead of pawning them off on American taxpayers.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.